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Alumni
Alumni Spotlights David Karem, 69L and Patti Linn, 88GE
Alumni turn community attention
back to the river
From his downtown Louisville offce, David Karem,
69L, has a unique view of the Ohio River — one
he helped create. The chair and now executive
director of Louisville's Waterfront Development
Corp., Karem spearheaded the transformation of
an industrial scrap heap of rusted cars and piles
of sand and gravel into one of the top 10 urban
parks in the United States. Waterfront Park draws
1.5 million people a year. "It's constant. They come
from all areas of the city and elsewhere, young and
old, to jog, read a book, enjoy their lunch, watch
their children play, fy a kite — there's now life by
the river," he said.
Downriver, Patti Linn, 88GE, has a much different
view at Riverside, the Farnsley-Moremen Landing,
but a similar public mission. The historic home,
built in 1837, features outbuildings, exhibits and
archaeological digs which show visitors how the
river — and the people who lived on its banks —
shaped the community. As part of the Louisville
Metro Parks system, it also provides a venue for
special events. Linn, as site manager, leads it all.
"It has been wonderful to make it possible for
the public to experience and enjoy the incredible
beauty of the river," she said.
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